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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Omakayas and _________________ are the only ones in the home who do not get ill.

2. The ice breaking up on the lake means that the family ___________________.

3. Who prepares the herbs to place on Pinch's foot?

4. Who sets the seat of his pants on fire?

5. What does Pinch find in the woods which he intends to claim as his own?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Omakayas witness as she comes to after being knocked unconscious by Tallow's dog?

2. What does the mention of the cold weather being sudden and particularly harsh foreshadow?

3. Why is Nokomis' story of a little muskrat especially pertinent for Omakayas?

4. How does Ten Snow help Omakayas get started in beadwork and what does Omakayas make?

5. What story does Nokomis tell Omakayas and the women which frightens Omakayas but moves the other women?

6. Explain how Deydey acts on a dream that Nokomis has about One Horn.

7. How does the author explore the themes of the relationship between humans and nature and Omakayas' journey of transformation?

8. What is in Nokomis' bundle that she says speaks to her?

9. How does the author explore the relationship between whites and natives in this section?

10. Why does Omakayas go off on her own while the family is tapping the maple trees?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Spirituality takes on an almost human persona in this book. What role does spirituality play in the lives of the characters? What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 2

Create a brief character study of Deydey. What did he look like? What were his positive personality traits? What were his dreams and fears? What was most valuable to him in his world?

Essay Topic 3

There are several events of foreshadowing in THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE. Define foreshadowing. Cite at least two situations in the story that serve as foreshadowing.

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